What is the easiest/best way to create melodies with only sound files and no access to a synthesizer??? My method of bastardizing single tones is too time-consuming. Any creative ideas?
Check out Fruity Loops. It's cheap software - do a search. It's got a feature called piano roll which enables you to change the pitch, length and various characteristics of any sample or soundfont you load into it.
If you dont want to spend any money and really want something that triggers samples at different rates, simply, check out www.modplug.com and get modplug tracker. It will take you about 30 mins to 1hr to get used to the setup.